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Fall Shows First Look: CBS

Ryan DuncanTheFish.com Editor

201219 Jun

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CBS has gained a reputation as a sitcom powerhouse thanks to programs like Mike & Molly, The Big Bang Theory, and the oddly popular Two Broke Girls. Lately however, this broadcasting company has set its sights on the drama front, due to the success of shows like Blue Bloods and Person of Interest. With three dramas and only one new sitcom on their way, it is clear CBS hopes to gain new ground come this fall. Here are previews for the new series coming to CBS.

Elementary

What's it About: Leading the pack in CBS's new fall lineup is Elementary, a modern adaption of the life and cases of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's master detective. Here, Sherlock Holmes (played by Jonny Lee Miller) is a recovering drug addict with a knack for deduction and self-destructive behavior. To help him make the transition from rehab to daily life, Holmes is assigned to Dr. Joan Watson (played by Lucy Liu in a dramatic gender swap) who acts the part of medical assistant and personal parole officer. Despite their initial feelings for one another, the two eventually form a close friendship as they delve into the mysteries surroundings New York's most sinister crimes.

First Impressions: There are a lot of reasons for Elementary to succeed and a lot of reasons why it may fail instead. As strength's go, a modern rendition of Sherlock Holmes' classic cases is nothing to sneeze at, and it will be interesting to see how tales from Victorian London translate to present day New York. Also, it will be exciting to see Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu perform in new roles they can really sink their teeth into. Now for the bad news, Elementary will almost surely be competing with Sherlock, another modern version of the classic detective that airs on BBC and which already holds a formidable fan base. If that weren't enough, Holmes purists have already begun voicing their dissent at Dr. Watson's gender change. Let's hope Elementary has as much potential as CBS believes, it's going to need it.

What's it About: Dennis Quaid, Michael Chiklis, and Carrie-Anne Moss assemble to bring you a look at the founding of America's most notorious city. Back in 1960, Vegas was nothing more than a dusty town where former sheriff Ralph Lamb (Quaid) hoped to live out his days in peace. All that changes when a group of ambitious business moguls start building hotels and casinos all along the strip, attracting the notice of mobsters like Vincent Savino (Chiklis) who hope to profit off the new enterprise. With crime on the rise, Lamb must join forces with District Attorney Katherine O'Connell (Moss) to bring justice back to the city of Vegas.

First Impressions: Oddly enough, Quaid looks somewhat out of place in the trailer for this Wild West crime drama. Chiklis, on the other hand, appears to be totally in his element, and it may be worth watching just to see his performance. As for Moss, she has yet to stand out, though as the series female lead she's likely to get plenty of opportunities. While the show itself has a good concept, dramas about bygone days have failed before (see Pan Am and The Playboy Club). So really, who know where this one will eventually land?

What's it About: Actress Janet Montgomery is swapping out her British accent for a Jersey one in a new drama that looks like a mash-up between USA's Fairly Legal and My Cousin Vinny. Martina Garretti (Montgomery) is a streetwise, New Jersey lawyer who has just been accepted into a posh New York City law firm. Despite her colleagues initial skepticism she quickly establishes herself as a sharp, legal mind. Now if only she can find a way to survive her overbearing family.

First Impressions: Ah,the "Single-Female-Lawyer" routine, haven't seen that in a while. Ok, so maybe the show's concept is old hat, it doesn't change the fact that Montgomery absolutely shines in her new role. Overall, the show might have to do a little work in order to stand out, but who doesn't love an underdog?

What's it About: Louis and Joe (Ugly Betty's Michael Urie and Numb3rs David Krumholtz) have been best friends ever since they were kids, despite being different in practically every way. Joe is cautious, modest, and straight while Louise is impulsive, overbearing, and gay. Now as adults, their friendship is suddenly tested when Joe becomes engaged, and Louis's attempts at supporting his friend end up creating chaos for the would-be couple.

First Impressions: The trailer tries hard to be funny but we can't pretend we're amused. For the most part, this just looks like your average CBS sitcom (likable characters, obvious storylines, and a lot of studio laughter). Our guess is it will probably end up competing with The New Normal for an audience.